My Travel Pass to double eligibility
Local Assembly Member Lee Waters has welcomed the extension of the MyTravelPass discounted bus travel scheme for younger people to include everyone aged 16 to 21 from December this year.
Previously open to 16 to 18 year-olds, Transport Secretary Ken Skates made the announcement that the scheme is not only secured until March 2020, but that it will also be available to many more people.
Available since 2015 to 16, 17 and 18 year olds the scheme offers a one third discount on bus fares for any journey within Wales.
Lee Waters AM said:
“Availability of good quality public transport at affordable rates has been a key priority of mine in the National Assembly. I’m pleased the Welsh Government has listened and is extending the scheme to more young people.
“Affordable public transport removes barriers to work, learning and leisure and opens up new possibilities for young people in Llanelli.
“This announcement helps remove dependency on the car, and will also help ease congestion as the cost of public transport falls.”
Existing MyTravelPass holders who have a 16 to 18 years pass, and who wish to take-up this new offer, should reapply shortly before their existing pass expiries.
Transport Secretary Ken Skates said:
“I’m pleased to announce that following the consultation exercise I undertook last year and talks with the bus industry we have been able to increase the upper age for discounted bus travel from 18 to 21 years.
“I would like to thank the bus industry for agreeing to this improvement. We appreciate their co-operation, as although the Welsh Government pays, their participation is voluntary.
“We will continue negotiations with our bus industry partners during 2019 to identify any further enhancements, potentially involving some of the key issues raised during the consultation we might jointly achieve.
“Today’s enhancement of the MyTravelPass scheme will not only help young people in training or apprenticeships, and during the transition into work, but will hopefully also encourage more to use the bus for more of their journeys. This way, they will be helping to tackle congestion and air quality in our towns and cities.”
To keep in touch with the date from which applications may be made, visit www.mytravelpass.gov.wales or call 0300 200 22 33
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
